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19 local makers to follow + support in Birmingham
There are so many talented artists and artisans in the Magic City—from jewelry and clothing designers to fiber artists and ceramicists. Here are 19 makers that caught our eye. We divided them into 4 categories: wearable, hangable, giftable and enjoyable.
Wearable
1. Exalting in Beauty
If your feed (and wardrobe) could use some color, you need to be following @exaltinginbeauty. Artist and owner, Aaliyah Na’imah (@aaliyah.naimah), makes some of the most colorful, vibrant and fun jewelry around. She just launched the Primary Color Collection on Etsy and we’re totally obsessed.
- Price: $15-$25
- Where to shop: Shop Exalting in Beauty on Etsy.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Heymamabearmakes
If 2020 has led to something cool, it’s that masks are officially a fashion accessory. One local artist who’s all about the mask is Ashley Roshitsh, the artist behind Heymamabear (@heymamabearmakes). Recently, Ashley decided to pursue art full time, and she’s been making these amazing Orville Peck-inspired face masks with bright colors and fun tassel details. She also sells prints and custom pet portraits on Etsy.
- Price: $10-$108
- Where to shop: Browse and shop masks, prints and more on Etsy here.
- Website | Instagram
3. Element and Vibe
Founded in 2016 by Aisha Taylor, Element and Vibe makes messaged-based t-shirts that do the talking for you. With inspiring and empowering messages printed on the front—like the words fearless, equality or enough—each shirt makes a unique statement.
- Price: $23.16-$46.95
- Where to shop: Shop their entire collection online and get free shipping for orders over $50.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Woodlawn Jewelry Co.
If your quarantine fits could use a pick me up, you need to check out Woodlawn Jewelry Co. Throw on their fun and funky handmade earrings to make it look like you actually tried to get ready for that Zoom call (even if you’re just wearing sweats.)
- Price: $15-$20
- Where to shop: Orders made on their Etsy shop will be on hold until 7/24, but if you just can’t wait, you can shop WJCO earrings online at Charm on 2nd’s site. If you do order via Etsy, make sure to use code BHAMNOW10 for 10% off!
- Website | Instagram
5. Lindsay Brook Designs
Summer is all about fun patterns and fabrics, and Lindsay Brook Designs has you covered. This Birmingham-based company makes the most unique bow ties, neckties, headbands, scrunchies and even scrub caps, so no matter what you’re doing or where you’re going, you can have fun with fashion.
- Price: $8.99-$49.99
- Where to shop: Shop their products on Etsy, or find them at shops around Birmingham like Dreamer’s Supply Co. or Square One Goods.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Hangable
6. Bouquet
Birmingham-based artist, Bouquet, creates an arrangement of handmade goods. Her stained glass pieces automatically breathe new life into any room. We’re not talking about your grandmother’s stained glass windows (no offense grandma!). The unique designs and shapes add a pop of color without the big commitment of painting.
7. Fringe & Fancy
Amber of Fringe & Fancy is a fiber artist who makes textile wall hangings. Whether you dig pops of color or adore neutrals, your walls will get an instant upgrade with her textured designs. You can even follow along with Amber’s design process on her Instagram.
- Price: $25-$90
- Where to shop: Check out Fringe and Fancy on Etsy or DM her if you’re interested in commissioning art.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Tasha Cathy
Tasha’s pieces are inspired by nature and use natural resources from from the ground we walk on to create ethereal, earth pigment paintings. From dirt sifting and creating unique colors, each creation makes a pleasing addition to any space.
- Price: $20-50
- Where to shop: Find Tasha’s art at Dreamers Supply Co and her website.
- Website | Instagram
9. Bonnybee Designs
Macrame and custom polymer clay earrings? Say no more! Bonnie of Bonnybee Designs is a fiber artist that has been serving up the newest trends in jewelry along with whimsical macrame hangings. Now you can have art on your walls and on your ears.
- Price: $12-$225
- Where to shop: Get your hands on Bonnybee’s designs at Botanica, Square One Goods Co and Etsy.
- Website | Instagram
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Giftable
10. Civil Stoneware
Civil Stoneware Inc, a team of artists led by Katherine Tucke, transforms dirt to delicacy in the heart of Birmingham. The ceramic wares are heavy with the care and time it took to build each piece and are perfect for sharing a moment with others. Whether you’re using their match striker to light a candle before dinner or sharing a bottle of wine with a friend out of their drinking cups, these items promote community.
- Price: Items start at $23
- Where to shop: Trove Design Shop at 5532 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35212 | Online | Make an appointment to visit the studio at 1710 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. Alan and Kaitlin Slattery
Carry a little piece of Europe in your pocket or on your shoulder with these soft and luxurious items. Alan’s leather goods are more than a bag to stash a granola bar—they’re purposeful art. He holds a BFA in Accessory Design from Savannah College of Art and Design and makes every leather good in Dreamers Supply Co., which he co-owns with his wife Kaitlin Slattery.
- Price: $18+
- Where to shop: Dreamers Supply Co. at 825 39th St S # A, Birmingham, AL 35222 | Online
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
12. Small Woods Studios
Did you know the origin of embroidery can be dated back to 30,000 BC? Tamara Harper takes this ancient art and delicately transforms it into trendy, quality pieces. Shop backpacks layered with careful smatterings of embroidered flowers or go for a classic framed embroidered mantra.
13. Ecam and Co.
Candles are made even more special when they’re gifted for a special occasion—especially if they’re unique like Elizabeth Holcomb’s at Ecam and Co. The 100% soy wax is housed in beautiful wine bottles making your present more memorable.
Bonus: Since candles are made from pure essential oils blended with phthalate-free fragrance oils, no harmful chemicals will be released when they burn—only great smells.
- Price: $28+
- Where to shop: Shop Ecam and Co. online or in these local retail shops.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
14. Byndel
Have you ever opened a little treasure chest filled with goodies that greet you like a hug? That’s how it feels when you receive one of Byndel’s perfectly curated gift boxes full of local products from hand-poured candles to biscuit mix. Send the breakfast box to your favorite early bird or the botanical box to a bridesmaid who’s a total plant mom. Byndel’s boxes are personal and really embody the Magic City.
Enjoyable
15. California Country Organics
Get ready to feel better inside and out with California Country Organic’s raw, organic and unrefined products. Inspired by her life in Southern California, owner Tracey Kennedy is committed to formulating healthy recipes. There’s something for everyone in her shop with items ranging from bug spray to body butter and hair conditioner.
16. Stone Hollow Farmstead
Owner Deborah Stone founded a business with her family that takes everything you love about a farmer’s market and tucked it away into a neat, thriving shop. Now, the mother-daughter team contributes to a flourishing agricultural economy by sourcing inventory from their farm in Shelby County and selling at markets across Birmingham. Discover not only fresh produce and goods like a variety of cheeses and prepared foods, but also cosmetic and medical skin care products.
- Price: Prices range due to variety of the shop.
- Where to shop: Shop in-store at FarmStand by Stone Hallow 2821 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, Alabama 35233 (pick-up and delivery options available) or through the Market at Pepper Place.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
17. Magic City Organics
Magic City Organics is passionate about alternative health and have a mission to “heal the Ham.” The team offers a wide variety of CBD products, including oils, edibles and capsules—even for your pets! Whichever you decide to try, know each item is made with the highest and finest quality ingredients.
- Price: Items start around $7
- Where to shop: Find products curbside at their shop on 701 37th St S STE 10, Birmingham, AL 35222 or Online.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
18. Sufficient Grace Homestead Co.
2020 is the year of all years for self-care and Sufficient Grace Homestead makes it easy for you—no spa trip required. Browse owner Gracie Beth’s all-natural skincare products, including soaps, bath bombs, chapsticks and more as a gift for yourself or a loved one that could use some R&R.
19. Ivory LeShore‘s Gourmet
We couldn’t end this list without something sweet. Ivory LeShore has been making mouthwatering desserts and gourmet foods for years in the Birmingham area. You might have seen their products around town at local farmer’s markets, but if you haven’t tried his gourmet bread puddings and cheesecakes, now’s your chance.
- Price: $7.50-$80
- Where to shop: Find them at Farmer’s Markets around town or order via email for local delivery. *All orders are handled within 24-48 hours and made fresh to order.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
This list highlights just a handful of local makers, compared to the overwhelming amount of talented artists, artisans and makers that reside in the Magic City.
Are you a local Birmingham maker or business in need of support right now? Fill out this form to be added to our Local Business Database. We’ll look there for updated information and include you in future guides like this one.
Have a favorite maker you want to share? Shout them out to us on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.
